Sunset Ridge Cochrane: What It’s Really Like to Live Here

Cochrane Neighbourhoods
Written By Lauren Crouse

Sunset Ridge, Cochrane is one of the most popular and well loved communities in town, and it's one I show families all the time. Choosing the right neighbourhood is about so much more than the house. It's your daily routine, your commute, and the place that's truly going to feel like home. In this guide, I'm walking you through Sunset Ridge: where it is, the homes and prices, the schools and amenities, and who I think it suits best.

Key takeaways

  • Location: on the northwest side of Cochrane, up Highway 22, with some of the best mountain and town views in Cochrane.

  • Two schools inside: RancheView School (K to 8) and St. Timothy (Catholic junior and senior high).

  • Amenities at the entrance: gas, a pharmacy, a bakery, a liquor store, dental, and daycare.

  • Every home type: condos from the mid $200,000s, townhomes in the mid $400,000s to mid $500,000s, and detached homes from the mid $500,000s to over $1 million.

  • Two sides: an established section from about 2007 to 2012, and a newer section with an HOA that's still building.

Where is Sunset Ridge in Cochrane?

Sunset Ridge sits on the northwest side of town, up Highway 22, the main highway that heads north through Cochrane. On a map, Cochrane's communities can look spread out, and to be honest, they are a bit. But when we were moving here, I found the communities felt much further apart on the map than they really are.

As you drive up into Sunset Ridge, you'll notice the views right away. You can see the town, the trees, and the Rockies, and the sunrises and sunsets up here are something else.

Living in Sunset Ridge, Cochrane: the feel of the community

Sunset Ridge is one of the larger communities in Cochrane, and it's extremely family friendly with tons of kids. It works whether you're buying your first home, moving up to something bigger, or downsizing into a bungalow to be closer to your grandkids.

The community is split into two parts. The original section near the entrance is more established, and the newer section is still building, which gives you a lot of choice between resale and brand new.

Amenities right at the entrance

As you drive in, you'll pass the historic Cochrane RancheHouse and the Town of Cochrane office. Right at the entrance there's a whole commercial area with a gas station, a pharmacy, a liquor store, a dental office, a daycare, and a really great bakery (the cookies, donuts, and muffins are worth the trip). It's handy for grabbing gas before work, picking something up after dinner, or filling up before you head to the mountains on the weekend.

Schools in Sunset Ridge

If you have kids, Sunset Ridge has two schools right in the community:

  • RancheView School, a K to 8 school

  • St. Timothy, a Catholic junior and senior high school

If walking to school or an easy drop off matters to your family, that's a big plus.

Pathways, parks, and Sunset Pond

One of my favourite things about Sunset Ridge is the access to nature. There are pathways throughout the community, lots of homes backing onto green space, and pathways along the ridge with incredible views. Parks are scattered all over, and there's a great one by Sunset Pond as you drive in on Sunset Boulevard, with homes backing around the pond too.

Good to know

Sunset Ridge has one main entrance, so school drop off and pick up times can get busy on Sunset Boulevard and Sun Valley Road. It's something I always mention so you can plan around it.

Sunset Ridge Cochrane homes for sale: types and prices

One of the things I love about Sunset Ridge is the variety. Here's how it breaks down, using the typical ranges I share in my video:

Condos and apartments

Closest to the commercial area, you'll find apartment buildings with great views of town, typically from the mid $200,000s up to the high $400,000s for some of the upper units.

The established side (about 2007 to 2012)

Just off Sunset Boulevard, you'll find duplexes and two storey detached homes, many with walkout basements, some with gorgeous views, wider lots, and lots of pie shaped yards. These usually range from the mid $500,000s to $800,000 and up for the larger homes on the ridge with a view.

The newer side and the HOA

Past the pond, on Sunset Road and Sun Valley Road, you're in the newer part of the community. This section has an HOA, an annual fee that takes care of the pond, parks, and green spaces. It isn't a high cost, and it really helps with the community's longevity.

  • Townhomes are mostly no condo fee style, some stacked and some row homes of 3 to 5 units, usually in the mid $400,000s to mid $500,000s.

  • Duplexes come with a front garage or a lane, many from 2019 onwards, with some great views along Sunrise View.

  • Laned homes (detached with the garage at the back, or a parking pad) usually run from the mid $500,000s to mid $600,000s.

  • Front garage homes range from the mid $600,000s to over $1 million, with lots of options in the $700,000s and $800,000s. Walkouts backing the pond often start around $800,000.

You can buy resale, buy a builder's spec home, or build brand new. Take a look inside one of the custom options in my Sunset Ridge new build tour, or a family home on a corner lot in my Sunset Ridge home tour.

Pinnacle Estates

Pinnacle Estates is a brand new estate pocket by RancheView School, with larger lots along the ridge and room for expanded or triple garages. Homes here start around $900,000 and go past $1 million. If you want a larger home but still want to be in town, there are very few options like it in Cochrane. Most homes are custom builds or builder spec homes. See inside one in my Pinnacle Estates custom home tour.

Who is Sunset Ridge best for?

Sunset Ridge is a great fit for families, people moving to Cochrane, and downsizers who want a real community feel. If you love the idea of a newer neighbourhood with amenities, schools, and amazing views, with the option of an established home with a bigger yard or a walkout, this is a community to see.

If you'd rather walk to downtown, or you want an older home with character to renovate, another neighbourhood might suit you better. My guide to the best neighbourhoods in Cochrane walks you through all of them.

Big moves bring big questions, and the right plan helps quiet that noise. I've got you.

Watch the full Sunset Ridge tour

See it all on the map: watch Living in Sunset Ridge, Cochrane: What It's Really Like on YouTube. Thinking about building? Watch Building a Custom Home in Sunset Ridge, Cochrane.

Free resources for your move

Sunset Ridge Cochrane: FAQ

Where is Sunset Ridge in Cochrane, Alberta?

Sunset Ridge is on the northwest side of Cochrane, up Highway 22, on a plateau with views of the town and the Rockies.

What schools are in Sunset Ridge?

RancheView School (K to 8) and St. Timothy (Catholic junior and senior high) are both inside the community.

Does Sunset Ridge have an HOA?

Yes, the newer section has a homeowners association with an annual fee that maintains the pond, parks, and green spaces. The original section does not.

How much is a house in Sunset Ridge, Cochrane?

Townhomes are typically in the mid $400,000s to mid $500,000s, laned homes in the mid $500,000s to mid $600,000s, and front garage homes from the mid $600,000s to over $1 million. Pinnacle Estates starts around $900,000.

Is Sunset Ridge a good neighbourhood for families?

Yes. With two schools, parks and pathways throughout, amenities at the entrance, and lots of young families, it's one of the most family friendly communities in Cochrane.

Lauren Crouse
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